Training for a 5k or half Marathon.

So last year I was really into running and was going to run a local half-marathon, but I found out about it too late and decided I'd run it this year instead, well life kinda sprung up between then and now and I forgot about the marathon, and havent been running.

So the other day I was watching the movie "Run Fat Boy Run" and was like "Hey I was going to run a marathon this month, ****!"

Well the Marathon is 1 month from today, they have the half marathon and the 5k, I am 341 pounds, last time I ran 5 miles in 55 minutes I was 355 pounds. I've done 8 and 10 miles before but with a few months prep. I'd actually forgotten my times but when I went running this morning it all came back.

This morning I made 1 mile in 10 minutes but lagged off horribly after that, making 2 miles in 25 minutes and I was spent. I walked another mile and called it.

So here I am with 30 days till race day, I can run a little faster and a little farther every day, I'm sure within 2 weeks I can do 5 miles in around an hour. Do you guys think I should shoot for the half marathon(13ish miles) or go with the 5k this year? Also do any of you run? Would you recommend running every day but the last few, or should I run every other day and alternate the heavy bag on non running days?

Also I have pretty good stamina, it builds up pretty quick, but I've never been a fast runner..but with only 30 days prep time I'm wanting some advice on whether I could place better in the 5k or half marathon.

Ok thats what I got, I should be able to handle this load without injury, question is, is it enough? Anyone see any flaws? I'm on day 2 completed and sitting at 5'11 height and 339 pounds weight wise. I have a 10 minute mile and a 12 minute mile so far with 2 miles done at 25 minutes. My goal is to hit a 9 minute mile and sustain it for 3 miles. I have a marked off route, a heavy bag, a round timer, a stopwatch, and some running shoes.
Thoughts?

In high school I ran cross country. 5ks are nothing. If this is your first actual race, I'd recommend the 5K. A 5K is about 3 miles, the half marathon is 13. From your training log, it seems you have yet to do anything in the half-marathon length in running, and it would be a bad idea to have your first experience at that length on race day.

One more suggestion: don't push yourself too much. You'll burn out. I know I did. When I did cross country, it was on a dare. I went from 260 lbs to about 180 in 4 months and my 5K time went from 40 min + to 29:58. I made a lot of progress, but running 3-6 miles a day 6 days a week burned me out. I've tried running since then but psychologically I can't do it.

Long story short: you try to take on too much too soon, you'll fry yourself and end up never wanting to run again.

Well the Marathon is 1 month from today, they have the half marathon and the 5k, I am 341 pounds, last time I ran 5 miles in 55 minutes I was 355 pounds. I've done 8 and 10 miles before but with a few months prep. I'd actually forgotten my times but when I went running this morning it all came back.

Ok so ... you are 341 lbs ( just to be clear ) and roughly 26 years old ?

How tall are you ?

Originally Posted by Bodhi108

Nuke a unborn gay whale for Christ.

“I don't mean to sound bitter, cold, or cruel, but I am, so that's how it comes out.”
BILL HICKS,
1961-1994

One more suggestion: don't push yourself too much. You'll burn out. I know I did. When I did cross country, it was on a dare. I went from 260 lbs to about 180 in 4 months and my 5K time went from 40 min + to 29:58. I made a lot of progress, but running 3-6 miles a day 6 days a week burned me out. I've tried running since then but psychologically I can't do it.

hah you weak bitch, I went for a run the other week for the first time in fucking ages and did 5k in 23 minutes.

Now I have taken the liberty to break his quote up for easier reading .

Originally Posted by Quija

Well from the time we were 13-18ish we would go full contact all out, no pads. Teeth were lost, clavicles cracked, thumbs broken, but your pretty springy at that age for the most part and injuries were few and far between.

As you get older your bones become more dense, your striking limb and its target both have less give, meaning harder hits. Going light was not a priority for us, so when it became evident that we could actually kill each other, I quit doing big kicks.

Now we dont even spar at all. Sloppy is a bad way to put it when the only concern is not being open if you miss.

See with all that information I think Dunkel was right to warn him to take it easy .

Originally Posted by Bodhi108

Nuke a unborn gay whale for Christ.

“I don't mean to sound bitter, cold, or cruel, but I am, so that's how it comes out.”
BILL HICKS,
1961-1994